The Trials of the Swamp Witch

Ship's Logs from Captain Fomi Sal

Today while crossing the Dragonsmere, A member of the cruise told the party of adventurers an old wives’ tale about to dryad named Cipres. She is rumored to reside on the oldest Cyprus in the sacred Grove. She is the most beautiful creature mankind has ever seen. It is said her song drives men mad. Any man to bed her would be left mute I would die from thirst. The old crewman say she is guarded by ancient river, once mighty, but now fallen. Then the men broke into song “Swear on me and give him gold. The ferry waits for young and old. Your souls will cross and some feel cold. My name the gods of old once knew, Achilles and his daring crew. Speak my name, the River Styx and seal your fate for I’m not Nyx” I fear my men are overly superstitious. I know all myths and legends spur from truth, but their simple fears sometimes halt work that must be done. I must address this problem strategically.
In other news dinner was terrible. Salted mutton was as tough as chain mail and the wine has soured. I believe tomorrow we’ll have pickled eggs, pickled cabbage, and pickles. Sometimes I wonder if this is torture or travel. Weather is starting to look gray. Storms are brewing and the red corrupted water seems to be spreading. Gods save us. We should be making port in 3 days. I rarely say this, but I can’t wait to land.
Captain Fomi Sal

“Meer Eternal” was run aground last night after a terrible storm. My navigator underestimated this force of nature. It felt strange. As we approached the storm, the air felt different. It smelled like iron. It struck fear in the crew. The adventurers bravely helped, but I’m sad to say we lost two of them. They had never been on board a ship before and it seems their newly acquired sea legs failed them. The adventurers and I have decided to continue on foot. This is no easy task. This one poses many new threats. My first mate and crew will stay behind. Waiting for the tide to change and hopefully make all of the necessary repairs to return your home when we finish this task.
Captain Fomi Sal

We have set up camp on the western embankment of the river. There is a bit of a clearing here. It doesn’t look like we could’ve gone much further in the river. It is full of mangrove and cypress islands. One surveyor told me that the swamp is constantly changing its form. No trail stays for long. My only fear is that we may be lost to the swamp, not death, but merely unable to find our way back home. We have decided to stay the night in camp. The sounds this place makes may spoke the crew. Creaking. Croaking. Moans. Buzzes. I wonder if my father knows the danger he is putting us into. Sleep will not come easy tonight. Mystra guide us.
Captain Fomi Sal